Giant Orchid

A stout, thick-stemmed, sombre orchid. With the Green-Winged Ochid, this is one of the earlest blooming in the Mediterrenean region. The stem often has a reddish-brown or purple tint, but largely hidden by the large clasping leaves.

Flower.
Borne in a dense cylindrical spike. The fragrence similar to an iris. The sepals are a spreading redish-violet. The petals have an underlying greenish tint, and are (usually) spotted with bright pink or purple, forming a helmet.
The lip is violet-pink, sometimes with a greenish tint, about 15-20 mm long; spotted with with a purple center. There are two short arms, and a central lobe divided at the end into two short legs. A short 4-6 mm spur is downturned.

Bract.
Lanceolate, longer than the flowers and suffused with a redish-brown or violet color.